OUT & ABOUT

OUTSEE

Bad shades worse than going without

Wearing cheap sunglasses can open your eyes to serious damage, according to the Ophthalmology Department at Washington University in St. Louis.

Pupils of human eyes naturally constrict in bright sunlight to reduce the light going into the eye. Tinted lenses that block out only visible ultra-violet rays cause the pupils to dilate and allow the more damaging invisible UV radiation to flood in. This could lead to the formation of cataracts and macular degeneration.

What to do: Buy and wear only sunglasses with stickers indicating the lenses are coated to block out both UVA and UVB. The docs also recommended wearing a brimmed hat.

OUTBIRDS

See hummers grow

A birdwatcher chronicles life in the nest for a pair of young hummingbirds in some fine photos available for free viewing online at http://community-2.webtv.net/ Velpics/HUM/

OUTMEDIA

Colville releases vehicle use maps

Maps: Colville National Forest interim Motor Vehicle Use Map, highlighting 2006 vehicle routes and restrictions.

Details: Maps show routes available for use by both highway-legal and off-highway vehicles. The new maps reflect corrections and public comments made to the 2005 maps.

Errata: Several motorized trails are shown incorrectly on printed maps: Trails 98, 109, 107 and 102 are open to all vehicles and trails numbered 313, 314, and 315 (Middle Fork and Calispell ATV Trails) are open to vehicles less than 50 inches wide.

Federal law requires motor vehicles to use only roads and trails specifically designated for motor vehicle use.

Forest officials say the Colville vehicle use map is still evolving as some routes are connected.

Info: Maps are available at Colville National Forest district offices, at the BLM office at 1103 N. Fancher Road in Spokane, and online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/

OUTHIKE

Backpacker experts here

What: Backpacker Get Out More seminar.

Who: Experts on a tour sponsored by Backpacker magazine.

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Where: REI, 1125 N. Monroe.

Details: Learn trail-tested tips on day hiking, overnight hiking, backpacking, gear, fitness, meal planning, nutrition, destinations and more. Prizes.

Info: 328-9900.

OUTLOOK

Best fishing times

Lunar tables from the U.S. Naval Observatory list peak fishing times. Be fishing at least one hour before and one hour after given times. Applies to all time zones.

(* indicates best days.)

Through July 23

* Today

5:50 a.m. 6:15 p.m.

* Monday

6:40 a.m. 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday

7:30 p.m. 8 p.m.

* Wednesday

8:30 a.m. 8:55 p.m.

* Thursday

9:15 a.m. 9:40 p.m.

Friday

10:10 a.m. 10:40 p.m.

Saturday

11:10 a.m. 11:40 p.m.

Next Sunday

Noon 12:05 a.m.